COTS damaged during storm

Mud, gunk soak building

Taking shelter from the Independence Day storm wasn't easy for some in Burlington. Heavy winds and rains damaged one of the Queen City's homeless centers, the Committee on Temporary Shelter's Daystation on South Winooski Avenue.

"We've been here since 1996 and we've never seen anything like this," said COTS Executive Director Rita Markley.

It was a muddy and shocking start to the work-day for Markley on Thursday. A crucial COTS daystation is closed until further notice.

"A lot of work that we do to move people from shelter into housing happens right here," said Markely, explaining the significance of the building.

Wednesday's powerful thunderstorm barreled through the COTS' South Winooski Avenue location. The storm left rooms caked in dirt and puddles on the floor. It drenched office computers and destroyed parts of the electrical system.

"The real challenge is there was some septic. So the septic mixing with the rainwater isn't good and we've been told we're going to have to toss a lot of the furniture and other things that we've used," said Markley.

Damage could be seen outside in the garden as well. Clean-up crews measured a water line more than 4 feet high.

In all, COTS staff estimates a loss of as much as 30 thousand dollars.

"I think the painting and stuff people can help with and that'll reduce costs, but there are other things you just have to buy," said Markley.

Even with the drying out process underway, the building is not expected to re-open for weeks.

"It isn't an option for a place like COTS to recover," said Markley.

In the meantime, COTS workers are trying to find an alternate location for the 50 or so people who rely on the space every day.

Volunteers or donors interested in helping COTS recover from this storm can call 864-7402 or visit cotsonline.org